Kejriwal's legal woes deepen: ED gets LG's nod to file charges in liquor scam ahead of Delhi polls!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Arvind Kejriwal's troubles escalate ahead of Delhi Assembly elections as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) approval to file charges against him in connection with the liquor scam. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has authorized the ED to prosecute Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case. On December 5, the ED had sought permission from the LG to initiate legal proceedings against Kejriwal, stating that it had uncovered alleged corruption in the creation and implementation of the liquor policy.

The ED had requested permission for the investigation, which was mentioned in the prosecution complaint filed in the Rouse Avenue Court on May 17. The court took cognizance of the case on July 9. The ED's prosecution complaint alleges that Kejriwal, along with members of the 'South Group,' received a bribe of ₹100 crore and created a "tailor-made" liquor policy that benefitted private entities unfairly. It further claims that the South Group was assured stakes in various liquor stores and was given permission to operate multiple retail zones, contrary to the objectives of the Excise Policy of 2021-22.

Additionally, the ED alleges that around ₹45 crore of proceeds from these illegal activities were used for campaign purposes during the Goa elections, with Kejriwal's involvement and approval. The agency also claims that AAP was the "main beneficiary" of the crime proceeds. As the national convenor of the party and a key figure in its political decision-making, Kejriwal is held responsible for the use of these funds during the Goa elections.